La Jolla, January 29, 2026

Katsuya Ko, a casual spinoff of the acclaimed Katsuya brand, is set to open in La Jolla at Westfield UTC. Slated for a February 2026 launch, the restaurant will offer a relaxed dining experience featuring innovative sushi and robata grill dishes. With its appealing ambiance and a strong focus on local collaboration, Katsuya Ko is poised to become a new favorite in San Diego’s vibrant food scene.

Katsuya Ko Set to Open in La Jolla

New Dining Experience at Westfield UTC Promises Culinary Excellence

San Diego, CA – The bustling culinary scene in San Diego is about to welcome a new player with the upcoming launch of Katsuya Ko, a more casual spinoff of the well-established Katsuya brand. Scheduled to open its doors on February 5, 2026, this dining establishment aims to offer a relaxed and approachable experience, infused with the high culinary standards synonymous with the original Katsuya locations.

Located at Westfield UTC in La Jolla, Katsuya Ko is poised to attract both local residents and visitors, hinting at the continued strength of San Diego’s economy despite broader regional challenges. This expansion showcases the resilience of entrepreneurs and the commitment to cultivating an appealing social dining atmosphere—a key to supporting small businesses in the region.

Location and Atmosphere

Katsuya Ko boasts a prime 3,000-square-foot location on Level 1 near the corner of Genesee Avenue and La Jolla Village Drive. The restaurant features seating for 80 guests indoors as well as an inviting outdoor patio for 32 diners. With a thoughtfully designed ambiance that incorporates warm shades of peach, dark pink, and burgundy alongside natural wood, the atmosphere aims to provide a soothing and upscale dining experience. An open kitchen concept allows guests to witness the culinary artistry at work, whether it be on the robata grill, wok, or sushi station.

Menu Offerings

The innovative menu at Katsuya Ko is designed with a broad appeal and is divided into three main sections:

– Salads, Meats, Seafood, and Tempura from the Robata: Selection of shareable plates, including favorites like yakitori and gyoza.

– Sushi Section: A tempting array of sushi, sashimi, and maki rolls, featuring both classic options and local specialties like salmon citrus rolls.

– Hot Stone Dishes: This includes unique offerings like Korean-inspired short ribs, allowing diners the interactive experience of cooking at their tables.

In addition to the delectable food, Katsuya Ko will feature a comprehensive bar program, offering an array of sake, beer, wine, soju, and crafted cocktails.

Leadership and Expansion Plans

Leading the culinary direction at Katsuya Ko is Culinary Director Ben Dayag, in partnership with Chef de Cuisine Alex Carpio, who brings valuable experience from local and national culinary institutions. The launch in La Jolla marks the first location for Katsuya Ko, but plans for future expansion are already in the works, both across the nation and in collaboration with SBE’s hotel ventures.

Operating Hours

Katsuya Ko will welcome guests with the following operating hours:
– Sunday through Thursday: Noon to 9 p.m.
– Friday and Saturday: Noon to 10 p.m.

Reservations can be conveniently made through OpenTable, ensuring an effortless dining experience for guests.

Background

Founded by Chef Katsuya Uechi in 1997, the original Katsuya brand has grown into a renowned name with multiple locations across California, New York, Florida, Dubai, and the Bahamas. Katsuya Ko represents a youthful evolution of the brand, aimed at providing a family-friendly atmosphere while maintaining the culinary identity that has made Katsuya famous.

As Katsuya Ko prepares for its grand opening, it signals a positive trajectory for entrepreneurship and opportunity in San Diego’s economy. This new establishment is a testament to the ability of local businesses to innovate and adapt, contributing to the vibrant community and economy of Southern California.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

What is Katsuya Ko?

Katsuya Ko is a more casual spinoff of the renowned Katsuya brand, offering a relaxed and approachable dining experience while maintaining the culinary excellence associated with the original Katsuya restaurants.

Where is Katsuya Ko located?

The restaurant is situated at 4303 La Jolla Village Drive, Suite 2105, on Level 1 of Westfield UTC in La Jolla, San Diego, CA.

When does Katsuya Ko open?

Katsuya Ko is set to open on February 5, 2026.

What are the operating hours?

The restaurant will operate with the following hours:

• Sunday through Thursday: Noon to 9 p.m.
• Friday and Saturday: Noon to 10 p.m.

Reservations can be made through OpenTable.

What is the menu like?

Katsuya Ko’s menu includes shareable plates, sushi, sashimi, maki rolls, and hot stone dishes, along with a full bar program featuring sake, beer, wine, soju, and cocktails.

Who is leading the kitchen?

The kitchen is led by Culinary Director Ben Dayag and Chef de Cuisine Alex Carpio, who brings experience from Kimpton and Hilton hotels, as well as local establishments like Ironside Fish & Oyster and Underbelly in North Park.

Are there plans for future expansion?

Yes, there are plans for future expansion both nationwide and within SBE’s hotel ventures.

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